DEFRA is expected to unveil a new strategy – including a decision on a badger cull to combat bovine TB – this spring. In the meantime, the association wants the government to review its TB reactor clearance policy.

“While the industry is patiently awaiting DEFRA’s response to its consultation document on TB control measures, we would also urge it to review its policy on reactor disposal,” said Mr Cotton.

The two-week wait endured by farmers before reactor livestock were removed was unacceptable, said Mr Cotton. During that time, these cattle had to be isolated and ran the further risk of infecting wildlife, he said.

Instead, farmers should be able to dispose of livestock through specially approved slaughter premises and hauliers – similar to the methods used to dispose of fallen stock.

“Businesses are already under tremendous pressure from this insidious disease, which is not only a financial burden, but also creates an emotional drain on farming families.”